On a devastating Monday afternoon in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a training aircraft from the Bangladesh Air Force tragically crashed into the campus of a local school, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, including the pilot. More than 100 others sustained injuries in this catastrophic incident, which has rocked the nation and raised concerns about aviation safety.
The aircraft, a Chinese-made F-7 BGI, took off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker in Dhaka's Kurmitola neighborhood at precisely 1:06 p.m. local time. Shortly after takeoff, it encountered a technical malfunction that led to the crash. The military confirmed that the aircraft caught fire immediately upon impact, striking a two-story building within the Milestone School and College campus located in the Uttara neighborhood, where many students were attending classes.
According to officials from the Fire Service and Civil Defense, the tragic crash resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, primarily students. An additional 116 people were rescued, many of whom suffered from severe burn injuries. Eyewitness accounts reveal a chaotic scene, with local residents and rescuers scrambling to transport the injured to nearby hospitals using whatever means available, including tricycle rickshaws.
The aftermath of the crash was heart-wrenching, with parents frantically searching for their children. One father was seen sprinting with his daughter in his arms, while another mother cried out for her missing child. Students reported that the school's buildings shook violently before a massive explosion sent them fleeing for safety.
Doctors at Uttara Adhunik Hospital indicated that over 60 students, many aged between 12 and 16, were transferred to a specialized burn hospital due to their injuries. As the evening progressed, rescue operations continued, with soldiers utilizing megaphones to manage the crowd amidst the dense population surrounding the crash site, which was near a metro station and numerous shops.
In the wake of this tragic event, the government has declared a national day of mourning, with flags to be flown at half-staff across Bangladesh on Tuesday. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed his condolences and pledged a thorough investigation into the crash, describing it as a moment of profound national grief. The military has stated that a high-level committee will be formed to investigate the circumstances leading to the aircraft's malfunction.
The incident has also drawn reactions from leaders beyond Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness over the loss of lives, including young students, stating that India stands ready to offer support and assistance to Bangladesh during this tragic time.
Rafiqa Taha, a student of Milestone School who was not present during the crash, shared her terror upon seeing videos of the incident on television. “My God! It's my school,” the 16-year-old remarked, highlighting the pervasive fear and sadness that now envelops the school community, which serves approximately 2,000 students from elementary to twelfth grade.
This tragic airplane crash is being regarded as the deadliest in Dhaka's recent history, and the emotional repercussions are being felt throughout the nation as families and communities come to terms with the heartbreaking events that unfolded on that fateful day.
